Arizona voters will decide on a measure that would prohibit local governments from establishing or raising a sales tax on groceries without voter approval, and would limit the rate to 2%. Voters will decide the measure on Nov. 3, 2026.
The measure was introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives on Jan. 27 as House Concurrent Resolution 2021. It passed the House on March 5 by a vote of 32–27 and the Senate on June 20 by a vote of 23–5. In both chambers, all present Republican lawmakers voted in favor, while 68.4% of Democratic lawmakers voted against the measure.
Cities with an existing grocery tax below 2% could only increase it with voter approval, and only up to the 2% limit. According to the Department of Revenue, 70 out of 91 of Arizona’s incorporated cities and towns taxed food for home consumption in 2024. However, the three largest cities in Arizona—Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa—do not tax groceries.
Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R-30), who introduced the measure, said that this measure could help individuals with the cost of groceries. He said, “I don’t know a single person in Arizona, a voter or a constituent, who’s going to say, ‘Yes, continue to tax me on these things that I have to put on the table for my family.’ At a time when inflation is through the roof, these taxes are going higher. You’re paying more.”
Some Democrats who opposed the measure argued that capping grocery taxes could negatively affect smaller, rural communities. Rep. Anastasia Travers (D-12), said, “Here in the great state of Maricopa, we’re voting on how we’re going to impact rural areas that are going to be hit the most. I know [Biasiucci’s] heart is in the right place.” Other Democrats, like Rep. Alma Hernandez (D-20), said the measure did not go far enough. She said, “I fundamentally don’t believe we should be taxing basic necessities and essential items like food.”
In 2023, Arizona lawmakers passed a bill to abolish grocery taxes, which was vetoed by Gov. Katie Hobbs (D). In Arizona, the legislature can refer bills to the ballot for voters to decide without the governor’s signature.
As of June 20, the Arizona State Legislature has referred one other measure to the 2026 ballot. It would prohibit the state and local governments from imposing any tax or fee based on vehicle miles traveled, and enacting any law or rule to monitor or restrict vehicle miles traveled without an individual’s consent.
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